Abelmoschus esculentus: No longer just for southern climates, our short-season okra varieties reward even cooler region gardeners with their unique fruit for gumbo, pickles, an alternative to peppers for rellenos, and ethnic Mediterranean and Indian dishes. Pretty enough to earn a place in your ornamental plantings, okra's stunning blooms reveal its relationship to hibiscus.

CULTURE: Okra is a tender annual that grows best in hot weather. Seed can be directly sown once the soil warms, or started indoors 3-5 weeks prior to your last frost for earlier crops. Sow into 3-inch pots and keep evenly moist. Soaking the seed in warm (110°F) water for 2 hours may help to soften the hard seed coat and hasten germination. Transplant out after the danger of frost, maintaining rows 36 inches apart. Incorporate 1/2 cup of our complete fertilizer into the soil around each plant at transplanting. The use of black mulch and row covers will improve growth..INSECTS: Flea beetles can be controlled with row covers or applications of Pyrethrin.DISEASES: Okra is susceptible to Verticillium, Fusarium, and several fungal diseases in wet weather. These can be controlled with proper rotation and good garden sanitation practices.HARVEST: The pods should be picked when tender and immature, about 2-3 inches long, usually about 4-6 days after flowering. Keep pods removed to encourage flowering. Store at 35°F at 95% relative humidity.SEED SPECS: Minimum germination standard: 65%. Days to maturity are calculated from date of transplant. Usual seed life: 2 years.